Tornado Warning Issued for Dale and Henry Counties

At 12:26 p.m. on Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) updated its tornado warning for Dale and Henry counties, extending it until 12:45 p.m.

According to the NWS, at 12:26 p.m., a confirmed tornado was spotted near Midland City, close to Headland, moving east at 40 mph.read more...

Threats include:

• Flying debris, posing a serious risk to those without shelter.

• Destruction or severe damage to mobile homes.

• Roof, window, and vehicle damage.

• Fallen trees and other structural impacts.

The tornado is expected to impact Headland by 12:30 p.m. and may affect Sylvan Grove, Newville, Goldberg Field, Headland Municipal Airport, Kirkland Crossroads, Blackwood, and Napier Field.

⚠️ Emergency Alert from the NWS:
"A tornado is on the ground. Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outside, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, seek the nearest shelter immediately and protect yourself from flying debris."

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Tornado Watches vs. Warnings: What You Need to Know

Understanding the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning can be life-saving:

✅ Tornado Watch = Be Prepared!

• Conditions are favorable for tornado formation.

• Review emergency plans and supplies.

• Stay alert for updates and be ready to take action.

• Issued by the Storm Prediction Center and can cover multiple counties or states.

🚨 Tornado Warning = Take Action NOW!

• A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar.

• Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building, away from windows.

• If you’re in a mobile home, vehicle, or outside, move to the nearest secure structure.

• Issued by your local weather office and applies to smaller, specific areas.

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How to Prepare for a Tornado

🔹 Stay Weather-Ready

• Check forecasts regularly.

• Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for alerts.

🔹 Know Your Alerts

• Some communities use outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone notifications.

🔹 Make a Family Plan

• Establish a meeting place and emergency contacts.

• If you don’t have a basement, identify a nearby safe location.

🔹 Choose a Secure Shelter

• Ideal locations: basement, storm cellar, or interior room with no windows.

🔹 Conduct Drills

• Practice tornado safety with your family and include pets if possible.

🔹 Reinforce Your Shelter

• Consider fortifying your safe room. Resources are available on the FEMA website.

🔹 Help Others

• Encourage family and friends to prepare.

• CPR training can be lifesaving in emergencies.read more...

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What to Do When a Tornado Hits

🏠 At Home

• Move to your safe shelter immediately.

• Keep pets secure if time allows.

🏢 At Work or School

• Follow tornado drill procedures.

• Avoid large open areas like gymnasiums or auditoriums.

🌳 Outdoors

• Seek shelter in a sturdy building.

• Avoid mobile homes, sheds, and tents.

🚗 In a Vehicle

• Drive to the nearest shelter.

• If no shelter is available, either:

  • Stay in the car, crouch low, and cover your head.

  • OR exit the car and take cover in a ditch or ravine.

⚠️ Act fast! Your response time could save your life.read more...